Referee named for Champions League match between Real Madrid and Shakhtar

UEFA have appointed Serbian referee Srdjan Jovanovic as the man in charge of Real Madrid’s home game against Shakhtar Donestk —Wednesday, 18:55 CEST—, the Champions League season opener for both teams. It will be the first time that Jovanovic has officiated a Real Madrid game.

The match against Shakhtar is crucial for Madrid, considering that Los Blancos have to take advantage of every single home game in this Group Stage. Away matches against Shakthar, Inter and Gladbach have the potential to be very, very tough for Madrid, so earning the three points on Wednesday would be vital.

Still, coach Zinedine Zidane will have to take care of his squad. Los Blancos will be visiting Barcelona for the first El Clasico of the season next Saturday and the players will need to be fresh. Zidane will need to find the right balance between the must-win against Shakhtar and also the tough, intense upcoming El Clasico.